Sometimes when life gets stressful, a massage just doesn’t cut it. It feels like the stress is deeper; it’s like it needs to rise up and out from inside me if that makes sense. That’s when I usually book myself a sauna session.
There’s just something about it. It feels like I’m sweating out all the tension and toxins, and it’s such a good release. I love going on my own, but I’ll often bring a few friends too.
We’ve tried a bunch of saunas around Calgary, and some really stood out. So if you’re on the hunt for a good one, keep reading. I’ll share our top picks and what the experience was like at each.
Table of Contents
1. Bow River Sauna
– Media credits: bowriversauna
Contact details: +1 403-830-2179
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Price: $$$
Bow River Sauna isn’t just a cool idea, but a well-executed one that adds something really special to your weekend. The setup is simple. You book a traditional Finnish barrel sauna, and they deliver it straight to your location for rent.
The sauna itself is beautifully built. It’s made from real cedar, with a rounded shape that feels cozy and holds the heat well. It uses a wood-burning stove, which gives it that authentic sauna vibe that you just don’t get with electric ones.
It’s not the cheapest rental out there. But it’s totally worth it for what you get, especially if you’re splitting it with friends or family.
Pro tip:
Start your fire with smaller pieces of wood to get it burning hot quickly, then add bigger logs to keep the heat going strong. We also suggest leaving the stove door slightly open at the beginning to improve airflow.
2. SKA Thermal Spa
– Media credits: skathermalspa
Address: 638 11 Ave SW Unit 117
Contact details: +1 403-276-5888
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 AM – 11 PM
Price: $$$
SKA Thermal Spa has three sauna options, and each one brings a different vibe.
The infrared is the gentlest of the three, using light waves to warm your body without heating the air too much. It’s ideal if you want something calming and easy on the system, though it might feel too mild for those who are used to traditional saunas.
The dry sauna turns up the heat and delivers that classic, intense sauna feel. It’s hot and dry, which makes it great for loosening up tight muscles. We found it energizing, especially when followed by a cold dip.
If you want something with an eucalyptus scent, the steam room is a nice option. The low lighting and thick steam also made it feel almost meditative. It’s perfect for winding down and clearing your head.
Pro tip:
There are snacks and drinks available inside the hydrotherapy zone, which is a rare addition. You can grab a tea or a light refreshment there in between rounds.
3. Cedar & Steam
– Media credits: cedarandsteam
Address: 12445 Lake Fraser Dr SE #102
Contact details: +1 403-452-2257
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 3 PM – 10 PM
- Thursday to Sunday: 8 AM – 10 PM
Price: $$
At Cedar & Steam, you get two hours of access to four distinct heat rooms. Each room offers a different way to relax and sweat.
They have the Cedar Sauna, which is perfect for those who like their sweat sessions intense. The Infrared Sauna is much gentler. It warms you slowly and helps your muscles relax without feeling too hot.
Their Himalayan Salt Sauna is one of their unique features. It’s milder in temperature, and it’s like being at the beach, breathing in salty air. If you have allergies or just want something calming, this one’s perfect because it’s great for your breathing.
Facilities are clean, well-maintained, and equipped with all the basics. We also appreciate that they offer local kombucha on tap, which is a fun bonus after sweating.
Pro tip:
There’s no extensive lounge area, so leave bulky bags at home. The spa provides towels, showers, lockers, and even hair dryers. Just bring your essentials and maybe a change of clothes.
4. Clear Nordic Spa
– Media credits: clearnordicspa
Address: 5629 Signal Hill Centre SW
Contact details: +1 403-700-4332
Operating hours:
- Monday: 8 AM – 10:30 PM
- Tuesday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday: 8 AM – 10:30 PM
Price: $$$
Clear Nordic Spa’s design is a beautiful balance between Nordic and Japanese minimalism. They have natural cedar walls, soft lighting, and subtle architectural details that don’t scream for attention but elevate the whole vibe.
They have sauna variations here, including dry sauna, infrared sauna, and steam sauna.
One cool detail we noticed was the portal. It’s a stylish walkway that connects the spa areas and helps you transition between them smoothly. We also liked how they separate quiet zones from the social Zen room, so you can choose the vibe you want.
The membership options also seem generous, especially for locals. Options like advanced booking, session extensions, and pausing your membership show they’re thinking about what regular spa-goers really want.
Pro tip:
If you’re doing a drop-in visit, book as early as possible. Members can book up to 30 days in advance. But for non-members, the window is shorter. Time slots also fill up fast, especially for evening and weekend sessions.
5. Clear Float Spa
– Media credits: clearfloatspa
Address: 335 18 Ave SW Unit #105
Contact details: +1 403-454-4502
Operating hours:
- Monday: 8:30 AM – 10 PM
- Tuesday: 3 PM – 10 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 10 PM
Price: $$$
Clear Float Spa’s sauna uses a full-spectrum infrared model. This warms your body from the inside out using a mix of near, mid, and far infrared waves. Compared to traditional saunas, this one felt less stifling and much more gentle.
Each session runs for 45 minutes, which gives us plenty of time to fully unwind without feeling rushed. At $27 for members, we thought the pricing was reasonable, especially with the clean setups and nice extras.
One of our favorite parts was the Bluetooth feature inside the sauna. One of us synced their phone and played a meditation track. This simple personalization feature enhanced the experience, and it’s not something you usually find in typical saunas.
Pro tip:
If you’re bringing kids, remember that those under 18 can float with parental consent, but anyone under 14 will need a guardian to stay on-site during their session.
